A manhunt has been launched after an Asda security guard was stabbed at a store in London.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police were called to the scene at Anchor Park in Stepney Green, after the worker was attacked by a knifeman in the leg on Tuesday morning.
The man in his 30s was taken to hospital, where his injuries were deemed “non-life threatening and non-life changing”, the force said.
An investigation has been launched into the incident, while the knifeman remains at large.
Asda security guard stabbed in horror attack as police launch manhunt
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Enquires are underway to identify and apprehend the attacker, the Met said.
There have been no arrests as of yet, Scotland Yard confirmed this morning.
An Asda spokesperson said: “We are in contact with our colleague and are providing ongoing support to him. Our thoughts are with him, as well as any colleagues or customers that witnessed this incident.
“Next week marks Respect for Shopworkers Week, and this incident further highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for retail workers. We continue to advocate for acts of violence or abuse against retail workers to be recognised as a standalone criminal offence.
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“No colleague should come to work in fear of being attacked.”
The Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 11:43hrs on Tuesday, 5 November to reports of a stabbing inside a store at Anchor Retail Park, Stepney Green.
“Officers and London Ambulance Service attended.
“At the scene a member of store staff, a man aged in his 30s, was found with stab wounds to his thigh.
“He was taken to hospital where his injuries were deemed non-life threatening and non-life changing.
The Met has launched a manhunt to find the attacker
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“Urgent enquiries are underway to identify and apprehend the suspect. At this early stage there has been no arrest. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Incidents of violence and abuse in shopping centres had risen by 65 per cent from 2021-22 to 2022-23, according to a report by British Retail Consortium (BRC).
A recent survey from the trade association also showed that incidents of violence and abuse against staff had risen by 50 per cent.
Similarly, a 2024 BRC report found only 8 per cent (38,000) of incidents of violence and abuse reported to the police by retailers were prosecuted with 19,000 resulting in convictions.